Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor M H Charlesworth.

To appoint substitute Members in accordance with Rule 4 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

None.

The Chair stated that she had received an email regarding the issue of named substitutes for committees in the new municipal year. Those named substitutes would have to attend the appropriate training, in addition to sitting Members of the Committee. The number of named substitutes would be pro rata to political party. 

Members are reminded that any declaration of interest should be made having regard to the Members’ Code of Conduct. In particular, Members must make clear the nature of the interest and whether it is 'pecuniary' or ‘non-pecuniary'.

None.

To read, confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 17 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on 29 September 2016 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

The Environmental Health Team Leader stated that an update regarding taxi-licensing enforcement exercises was to be given at this meeting (Min Ref. 13)

RESOLVED THAT:

The Action List be noted by Members.

To receive any Petitions and, or, Deputations in accordance with Rule 24 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

None.

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (at pages 4 - 47) and the supplementary agenda update (at pages 1 - 10) as jointly-delivered and summarised by the Enviromental Health Team Leader and Licensing Enforcement Officer which should be read together with these minutes as a composite document.

Scale of Fees and Charges

It was reported the new Scale of Fees and Charges had been brought into line with neighbouring Leicestershire authorities.

The Environmental Health Team Leader stated that the Operator’s Licence Competency Test was now £40 (and not £36 as stated on the Scale of Fees and Charges as at section 2.1, vi). She stated that if Members’ were in agreement with the changes, they would then be published on our website.

Councillor Mrs H E Loydall stated that she appreciated the time and work taken in updating the Scale.

Food Hygiene Inspections

Councillor Mrs H E Loydall asked if the statistical data for Food Hygiene inspections ratings A-E could be explained in more detail. 

The Environmental Health Team Leader advised that the rating looked at a number of issues (viz. from how the establishment is managed to how they have improved from the previous inspection) and confirmed that E was the highest rating and A was the lowest.  If a business had to be revisited, then that business would be on the Council’s radar to visit more regularly, for example, six monthly instead of yearly.

Councillor J Kaufman enquired as to why a newly opened business had a high rating. 

It was explained that if the business still had the same owners/management, that they would remain with the original rating.

Licensing, Enforcement and Taxi Updates

It was reported that following a complaint regarding taxis operating illegally in the Borough, the Licensing Enforcement Officer attended Manor Road, Oadby on an evening last September (2016) and during that time stopped thirty Leicester City Council licensed taxi vehicles and spoke to the licensed drivers. Where appropriate, she advised them that they were operating illegally as they were out of their jurisdiction and they were given a boundary map.

The Licensing Enforcement Officer had also been speaking with the Head of Security at the University of Leicester to enable him to educate the students as to which taxis they should and should not be using given that the safety of students was paramount.  She had also been in contact with ‘Rock Star Events’ who were the promoters for events held at the O2 Academy, University Road, Leicester.  Most of the events which require taxis were held on Wednesdays and Friday nights, therefore further spot checks would be undertaken during these times during term time.

Councillor Mrs H E Loydall stated that in relation to taxi licensing on Manor Road, all events should be arranging a number of buses to/from planned events.

The Licensing Enforcement Officer confirmed that buses were in operation and ran frequently, but some students decide to take a taxi instead if they were waiting.

The Chair  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.